Carolina Gameday: Week 2 vs. Miami

Carolina (1-0) vs. Miami (0-1)

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill

8 p.m., ACC Network

PxP: Dave O'Brien; Analyst: Tim Hasselbeck; Sideline: Katie George

Carolina game notes | Miami game notes | Series History

BetOnline Spread: Miami -5 | O/U: 46.5

Spotlight Story

Emotional moments and dance contests during early-morning meetings have helped change the culture of Carolina football quickly

Opponent preview

With "perfect" coach for their program, Hurricanes will bring speed, aggressive defense

The Two-Sentence Drill

The Tar Heels return to a sold-out Kenan Stadium after one of the program's biggest regular-season wins in the past 20 years. By Sunday morning, we'll have an idea of whether Carolina is ready to win big this season.

Carolina can win if...

Sam Howell is the same quarterback he was in the second half of the victory over South Carolina, playing loose and trusting his receivers to make plays, but making good decisions and avoiding unnecessary risks.
The Firm, as Brown called it, gets rolling. All three running backs came up big at times throughout last week's game. Given Miami's aggressive style, fresh legs at running back could be the difference if Carolina has the right call vs. a blitz.
Aaron Crawford and Jason Strowbridge wreak the same type of havoc they did last week against Miami's young guys on the offensive line.
Kenan Stadium delivers one of the best atmospheres its had in recent years. What the Tar Heels did in the opener was just as much about confidence and emotion as it was about talent and execution. A rowdy crowd can only be a benefit.

Carolina won't win if...

It doesn't tighten up on special teams. The Tar Heels were awful in kick coverage last week, giving up big punt and kick returns to the Gamecocks. With the same opportunities, Miami takes one to the house.
Miami wins the turnover battle. The Hurricanes were 16th nationally last season, forcing 25 turnovers and they're already off to a good start this season, forcing four in their season-opener.
Cornerbacks need a ton of safety help, taking them out of the box and allowing Miami running back DeeJay Dallas to get going at the line. Greg Ross looked much-improved last week and he'll need another big day against the Canes' stable of talented wideouts.
It can't afford to give up 90 yards on 10 penalties again. The Tar Heels were aided by a few missteps from South Carolina last week, but they can't expect Miami to have a second straight awful game after the Canes were flagged 14 times for 118 yards in their opener.

What would a win mean for Carolina?

One heck of a party on Franklin Street.

Suddenly, this is a whole new ballgame.

This season was supposed to be about setting the foundation for the Tar Heels' future, but victories over South Carolina and Miami, which is expected to contend for the Coastal Division title, would certainly set the expectation that Carolina could win eight games or more this season.

It would also likely come with a Top 25 ranking on Monday, too.

What would a loss mean for Carolina?

In the big picture, not much.

The Tar Heels are playing with house money. Before the season, if you were to have made a list of six games they could win to become bowl eligible this season, this wouldn't be close to making the list.

Miami is talented and will be one of the nation's best defenses this season, and that's a lot to handle for a young offensive line, a true freshman quarterback and a group of receivers still looking to build depth.

Pregame Reading

This week's press conference transcripts from Mack Brown along with coordinators Phil Longo and Jay Bateman

After special teams mistakes against South Carolina, Tar Heels looking to veterans vs. Miami

Film Study: Assessing Sam Howell's first start for the Tar Heels

Dominant ending meant more for much-maligned Tar Heel defense

Mack Brown hasn't forgotten Larry Fedora

Brown says coaches "all over" Heels in Tuesday's practice

UNC's first taste of the Air Raid included plenty of ground support

Redshirt tracker

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